
As a church in the relatively new and growing denomination
commonly called "The Vineyard", we hold to values and beliefs that are common
across the board with many better-known traditions and expressions of Christian
faith. Sometimes it helps to try to bridge the gap of understanding by using
terms that are culturally understood. In an effort to do such a thing, a
term that we use to describe ourselves is "Empowered Evangelicals".
We see ourselves as aligned with the Protestant tradition
as it has been expressed commonly in the Evangelical world. Included in
this is a firm belief in the infallibility and authority of scripture,
relationally centered evangelism, and discipleship training that equips
people to live, minister, and live as faithful and devoted followers of
Christ.
Included in the "Empowered" part of the term is a faith
and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and corporate
experience. We rely on the gifts of the Spirit to empower us to do the
work of the church, build our community up and to grow in maturity as
followers of Jesus.
We believe that the Gospels give us a blueprint of the life
and ministry of Jesus. We also believe that Jesus passed on that mission
to His church, with the Gift of the Holy Spirit to equip us to be His
agents in the world.
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